The right to a fair trial, guaranteed by Article 6 of the European Convention on Human Rights, includes the right to have cases examined within a reasonable time. Excessive delays in judicial proceedings can have serious consequences for individuals and may undermine the proper administration of justice and public confidence in judicial institutions.
This factsheet presents examples of measures adopted by more than 30 member States in response to judgments of the European Court of Human Rights concerning the excessive length of proceedings. It highlights a broad range of reforms and practical measures implemented by national authorities, including legislative reforms, improvements in court management, enhanced case-processing systems, alternative dispute resolution mechanisms and effective remedies for individuals affected by undue delays.
This is the latest in a series of thematic factsheets on changes to national law, policy and practice across Europe linked to the implementation of the European Court’s judgments. Other factsheets address a wide range of issues, including freedom of expression, freedom of assembly and association, children’s rights, reproductive rights, data protection, effective investigations, life imprisonment, local and regional authorities and the independence and impartiality of the judicial system.
